VS GUIDANCE 12001.4 READY REFERENCE GUIDE: Procedures and Policy for the 

Investigation of Potential Foreign Animal Disease (FAD)/Emerging Disease Incidents (EDI)

FAD INVESTIGATION IS INITIATED

AVIC and SAHO will:

Assign an FADD. 

Ensure FAD Referral Control Number 

is provided to the FADD. 

Assign FAD/EDI Case Coordinator(s). 

Ensure that initial case history is 

prepared and transmitted to the FADD. 

Consult with FADD, NVSL, and NAHLN lab to 

determine a diagnostic sample submission 

plan. Include AVIC and SAHO for State of 

NAHLN lab, if different from the State of 

sample origin. 

Consult with FADD to ensure that an 

investigation classification and a diagnostic 

sample submission priority are assigned. 

If AVIC, SAHO, and FADD designate Priority 1 

or A, immediately call VS district office 

and NPIC.

Contact producer/owner/veterinary 

practitioner within 8 hours, and conduct a 

site visit within 24 hours. Situations involving 

interstate or international commerce must 

be investigated immediately. 

Contact NVSL Ames/NVSL FADDL and 

the NAHLN lab by phone prior to sample 

shipment/transport with the following:

• Tracking number or transport 

identification, 

• Estimated time of arrival, and

• Classification and priority.

Ensure VS 10-4 Specimen Submission Form 

is completed for all diagnostic samples. 

Contact AVIC, SAHO, and Tribal Officials with 

quarantine or hold order recommendations. 

Along with the FAD/EDI Case Coordinator, 

ensure that EMRS data entry and follow-up 

forms are completed in as close to real time 

as possible and reasonable, and no later 

than 24 hours after the FADD’s examination 

of the affected animal(s).

FADD will: 

NPIC or DISTRICT OFFICE

Coordinates conference call within 

2 hours if Priority 1 or A.

PRIORITY 1 PRIORITY 2 PRIORITY 3 PRIORITY A

• High Suspicion

• NPIC or district office 

coordinates conference call 

within 2 hours

• Rapid or extraordinary 

methods for sample 

collection and transport

• Testing conducted 

immediately upon arrival 

(overtime services as 

needed)

• Intermediate Suspicion

• Rapid methods for sample 

collection and transport

• Testing conducted as 

necessary (overtime 

services as needed)

• If sample arrives before 

close of business test 

immediately; after close of 

business test the following 

day; Saturday test on 

weekends only with prior 

notification and approval

• Low Suspicion

• Routine methods for 

sample collection and 

transport

• Testing conducted in 

accession order (no 

overtime services)

• Intermediate or Low 

Suspicion

• NPIC or district office 

coordinates conference 

call within 2 hours

• Potential circumstances 

of investigation indicate 

need for rapid or 

extraordinary methods 

for sample collection and 

transport

• Testing conducted 

immediately upon arrival 

(overtime as needed)

July 2023
DIAGNOSTIC SAMPLE REPORTING PROCEDURES

FADD

Submits sample. If only 

one set is collected, 

send to NVSL. If two are 

collected, send the first to 

NVSL and the second to 

NAHLN.

Submits sample 

to NVSL as 

“Priority 1.”

Immediately reports result 

to NAHLN Coordinators 

and NVSL Director.

Electronically 

messages test results after 

NVSL confirmation.

Notifies SAHO. 

Provides final report, 

including results from 

NVSL to: 

• Client,

• AVIC, 

• NAHLN, and

• NVSL Director.

NVSL Reference Lab 

• Performs 

confrmatory tests.

• Reports results to 

NVSL Director.

NVSL Director 

Notifies:

VETERINARY SERVICES 

• VS DA, and

• VS ADA for Field Operations

NPIC or DISTRICT OFFICE

Coordinates conference call within 

2 hours if results are positive, 

suspect, or inconclusive. 

AVIC for the State of the 

NAHLN Laboratory. 

AVIC for the State of the 

Sample Submission 

• Secures all paperwork.

• Determines source of submission.

• Determines last known premises.

• Notifies district office,

State Officials, and FADD.

FADD 

Notifies the producer, 

owner, manager, agent, and 

veterinarian. 

NAHLN Laboratory receives positive or inconclusive results and... 

NVSL FADDL 

Main Office (631) 323-3256

AFTER HOURS AND WEEKENDS

Diagnostic Services Section Head (631) 375-5314

NVSL AMES 

NVSL Director (515) 337-7266 

NAHLN Coordinator (515) 231-2515 

Diagnostic Virology (515) 337-7551

Diagnostic Bacteriology & Pathology (515) 337-7526

Diagnostic Bioanalytical & Reagent (515) 337-7568

AFTER HOURS AND WEEKENDS

Nat’l Centers for Animal Health Dispatch (515) 337-7266

NPIC (M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM ET) 

Jon Zack (240) 252-8074

Barbara Porter-Spalding (919) 637-4409

Lindsey Holmstrom (970) 294-2879

AFTER HOURS AND WEEKENDS

NPIC/NVS 24/7 Emergency (800) 940-6524

Answering Service

APHIS VS DISTRICT DIRECTORS

District One (919) 714-1541 

District Two (517) 285-3235

District Three (970) 556-8039

District Four (512) 516-5778

Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) (301) 887-7068 

CFTEP Director (Austin Office) (512) 383-2441 

CFTEP South Texas (Laredo Office) (956) 726-2228

July 2023

Second set

First set